If you thought the untamed realm of social media is (or should be) free of legalese, think again. A growing trend for companies\u2014especially large businesses\u2014is to create a set of their own \u201cterms and conditions\u201d for Internet pedestrians to scan before becoming a follower of their Facebook page.<\/p>\n
The extra steps companies are adding to the process of joining your online crew are (supposedly) for good reason. Take the fansite of Progressive\u2019s new mascot, \u201cThe Messanger.\u201d Before a patron becomes a fan, they are prompted to read specialized terms and conditions before clicking that \u201clike\u201d button. One excerpt reads, \u201cYou agree that you will not submit Content or otherwise use the Page in any manner that would interfere with or damage the Page, including, without limitation, through the use of viruses, cancel bots, Trojan horses, harmful code, flood pings, denial of service attacks, packet or IP spoofing, forged routing or electronic mail address information or similar methods or technology.\u201d
\nIn other words, don\u2019t spam up the boards or try to scam our fans out of personal information and\/or life savings.<\/p>\n
So, should your company take the time to create and display a \u201cterms and conditions\u201d section for your Facebook page? In the short term, it\u2019s difficult to see how a simple page of text would stop scammers and fraudsters, many of whom live far outside the boundaries of English-speaking countries in the first place, from posting fake login mirrors and advertisements for prescription medicine. However, as the legal issues and rights ascribed to social media firm up, having a terms page could be an important tool in policing your company\u2019s digital rights. Worth a consideration, anyhow.<\/p>\n
See you next time,<\/p>\n